Danube River Cruise

Sept 2 - 15, 2019

Cultural Adventures tours joins with Teeming River Cruises to offer a 14-day Danube River cruise to 4 countries and 13 cities. The Teeming River innovative standard for cruising provides an incredibly low price and à la Carte type of luxury cruise. This Danube cruise offers a luxurious experience while on board for a great value and allows you the opportunity to determine what you would like to do at each port.

On the Royal Emerald ship you'll enjoy beautiful accommodations with spacious, airy suites as you sail on the beautiful Danube. There are 84 suites on board. Additional comforts include flat-panel televisions, complimentary wireless Internet access, safe deposit box, mini-bar, spacious built-in closets, and individual thermostat for air conditioning and heating control.  

Highlights

*Hotel in Nuremburg one day before the cruise
*Hotel in Budapest one day after the cruse
*Teeming River Cruise App "City Walking Tour" in all ports
*Special "Sound of Music Tour " to Salzburg
*Escorted by Connie who will smooth out any bumps, provide useful travel tips before & during the trip, assist with insurance and reserving flights
*Welcome & Farewell Receptions with Sparkling wine & hors-d'oeuvres
*Welcome Aboard Dinner & Farewell Dinner
*All Meals featuring locally inspired cuisine included Daily (onboard ship)
*Early Riser Breakfast in addition to Buffet Breakfast
*Daily Afternoon Tea & Midnight Snack



Cost: Double occupancy cost for the cruise, an extra hotel night before and after the cruise, the Salzburg special tour:

Standard Suite of 160 sq. ft. with standing height level windows - $1895 - $1995 depending on suite
Balcony Suite of 205 sq. ft. with full-length windows & balcony - $2495
Reservation: A nonrefundable deposit of 50% of the total fare is required by January 29, 2019. Balance is due by June 1, 2019.

Itinerary

Sept 2

Arrive in Nuremberg, Germany – Meet other travelers. Stroll around the Old Town and perhaps enjoy a drink or meal at one of the cafes. B

Sept 3

Welcome to Nuremberg!

Your Danube Tour begins in this historical Bavarian city, which dates back to the 11th century. You’ll have until 2 pm to explore Nuremberg. You may want to join the free hour and a half city tour, visit the house of Albert Durer home of the city’s most important artists or gain a comprehensive picture of Nazi tyranny and the history of the Nazi Party at the Documentation Center and Nazi Party Rally Grounds. At 3 pm we’ll transfer to the MS Royal Emerald to enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet our cruise mates. B, D

Sept 4-5

Regensburg, Germany

Step into Regensburg and back in time. This history-drenched Bavarian city of is often described as “Germany’s medieval miracle” and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 1,400 original historic buildings still standing, it is easy to envision what life would have been like centuries ago as you wind through the narrow streets lined with 13th and 14th-century patrician houses and cross old town squares There are many treasures to uncover from Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge, the imposing St. Peter’s Cathedral, the stunning interior of Old Chapel, the enchanting Old Town clock tower, and Porta Pretoria n arched gate to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD just to name a few. If you worked up an appetite with all your exploring, treat yourself to a sausage at Alte Würstküche, the Old Sausage Kitchen, Germany’s oldest restaurant. B, L, D

Sept 6

Passau, Germany

Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau is the place where the Danube meets the Inn and the Ilz. This picturesque city lies in Germany’s far southeast corner near the Austrian border. The city is overlooked by the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a city museum and observation tower. The old town below is known for its baroque architecture, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, featuring distinctive onion-domed towers and an organ with 17,974 pipes. Saint Stephan’s Cathedral is one of Passau’s favorite attractions and one you surely do not want to miss. Passau with its unique charm and atmosphere is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube. B, L, D

Sept 7

Linz Austria

Docking right in the heart of town will allow you to easily explore Linz, Austria’s third largest city. First founded by the Romans, it is steeped in both history and culture. The Old Town is perfect for leisurely strolls past centuries-old architecture, or you can explore the riverside Lentos Kunstmuseum renowned for its modern art. The picturesque Main Square of Linz is one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria and ideal for meandering. B, L, D

Sept 8

Melk, Austria

Melk Abbey, towering high above the banks of the Danube, is considered one of Austria’s most beautiful Baroque buildings. The library contains one of the most impressive features with roughly 100,000 volumes and a ceiling fresco by Austrian painter Paul Troger. B, L, D

Sept 8

Weissenkirchen, Austria

A white church and tower dominate this lovely and picturesque village. The current facade of the church dates back to the 16th century. Take a leisurely walk up to the church and from there enjoy a glimpse of the scenic view of the valley. B, L, D

Sept 9 & 10

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known as both the “City of Dreams” , thanks to Sigmund Freud’s influence, and the “City of Music” inspiring creative geniuses such as Strauss, Mozart, and Beethoven. The days are yours to begin your exploration of this enchanting imperial city. Soar to new heights in Vienna’s famous giant Ferris Wheel, which has been turning high above the city and the Danube for over a century. The residences of the Hapsburg rulers are well worth a visit. The Hofburg Imperial Palace was the seat of the Haspburg rulers until the end of WWII. You can visit the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and Silver Collection. The area around the Hofburg houses the Imperial Chapel, the Natural History Museum, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School. The magnificent summer Schonbrunn Palace can be reached by the U-bahn (subway). B, L, D

Sept 11

Bratislava, Slovankia

Discover Bratislava’s unique blend of modern and medieval. While one of the youngest European capitals, this historic gem boasts over a 2,000-year history. Wind through the labyrinth of cobblestone lanes lined with colorful 18th-century buildings and sidewalk cafes in the traffic-free Old Town, the historic heart of Bratislava. Take in seventeen centuries of Slovak history while exploring its 13th-century Old Town Hall, St. Martin’s Cathedral, coronation site of many of the Kings of Hungary, the Art Nouveau Little Blue Church and the Neoclassical Primatial Palace. The landmark Bratislava Castle majestically overlooking the city is truly postcard perfect.. B, L, D

Sept 12

Szentendre, Hungary

Well known for its galleries, art and museums, Szentendre is a cultural hot spot. The Szamos Marzipan Museum is one of Szentendre’s most visited attractions. Dedicated to Matyas Szamos, the founder of the Szentendre Marzipan Factory, this museum offers visitors an insight into the wonderful world of confectionery. The Hungarian Open Air Museum is perfect for those who wish to learn about and explore the history of the Hungarian way of life. The Museum is home to a collection of houses and artifacts that aim to educate visitors about the life and traditions of different Hungarian regions. And you’ll enjoy strolling around the marvelous main square, situated in the very heart of Szentendre. This is the point from where everything in the town begins, and it is surrounded by a selection of shops, restaurants and churches. B, L, D

Sept 13

Kolocsa, Hungary

Kolocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary dating back to the early 11th century. St. Mary’s Cathedral, an Italian baroque cathedral, sits in the center of town as part of the Holy Trinity Square. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Hungary and has a striking stuccoed interior. Archbishop’s Palace: Across the square is the Archbishop’s Palace built in the 1760s. In the ceremonial hall you can view astronomical devices and maps dating to the Middle Ages, and the 150,000-volume library includes a bible written by Martin Luther. The charming Viski Károly Museum recreates the colorful abodes of the Serbian, Slovak, and Magyar peasants who lived here, particularly the "painting women" of Kalosca, who decorated everything from walls and furniture to clothing. B, L, D

Sept 14

Budapest, Hungary

We’ll disembark after breakfast and move to our hotel. Budapest is the economic, historic, and cultural capital of Hungary, with approximately 2 million inhabitants. Modern Budapest is the result of a historic merger of the separate cities of Buda and Pest. One of the best way to begin exploring the city is by taking a walk along its banks, where you can take in some of Budapest's most important sights including: the Neo-Gothic Parliament, the third-largest in the world; the Buda Castle, started in the 1200s but which has had additions over hundreds of years: Shoes on the Danube, a moving memorial to the Jews who were shot and fell into the Danube during World War II after being ordered to remove their shoes: Gellért Hill, which offers one of the best views of the city. B

Sept 15                           

Today we depart for home

Depending on the time of your flight you may have time to visit some of the many museums in the city. B

An optional trip to the Nazca Lines is available after this trip, If you are interested, contact Connie at 317.908.1220 or cchamp@culturaladventures.info for detailed information. 

Participant’s Background Information

  • US citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru.
  • No immunizations are required for this trip.
  • Participants must be able to climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces up to a mile at a moderate pace over the course of the day.
  • Basic travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory – insurance to cover trip cancellation is highly recommended.
  • Please check with me before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
  • Deposit of $750 will reserve your spot. Payment of the balance is due by January 15, 2019. Refunds, less $75, will be returned upon written request until Jan 17, 2019. After this date, no refunds of any type will be made.

If you are ready to explore the Land of the Incas, send in your deposit of $750 now.
Write deposit checks to Cultural Adventures and mail to:
Connie Champlin, 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632

Connie Champlin

Email: cchamp@culturladventures.info
Phone: +1 317-908-1220 
Address: Connie Champlin 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632

Contact Us